Budget & Costs
Sweden is cheaper than Norway, but more expensive than Germany. The Swedish Krona (SEK) and the high wage level result in noticeably higher prices for food, accommodation, and alcohol. But: Many things in Sweden are free — nature, beaches, many museums, and Allemansrätten (the right of public access) allows free wild camping.
Exchange Rate (Guide)
1 EUR ≈ 11–12 SEK (as of 2026). Sweden is practically cashless — credit card or Swish (Swedish payment app, unfortunately not usable for tourists) is sufficient everywhere.
Daily Budget per Person
| Style | SEK/Day | €/Day | Accommodation | Food | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | 500–800 | 45–70 € | Camping / Hostel | Self-catering + Supermarket | Bus / Hitchhiking |
| Budget | 800–1,200 | 70–105 € | Airbnb / Stuga (cabin) | Mix: self-cooking + dining out once | Bus / SJ train |
| Mid-range | 1,200–2,200 | 105–190 € | 3★ Hotel / Design Hostel | 2× Restaurant | Rental Car / SJ train |
| Comfort | 2,200–4,000 | 190–350 € | 4★ Hotel / Boutique | Fine Restaurants | Rental Car + Domestic Flights |
| Luxury | 4,000+ | 350 €+ | ICEHOTEL / Treehotel / Grand Hotels | Fine Dining | Private Tours |
Price Examples (2025/2026, in SEK and EUR)
| What | SEK | EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee (Café) | 40–60 | 3.50–5 € |
| Kanelbulle (Cinnamon Roll) | 35–55 | 3–5 € |
| Beer (0.5 l, Restaurant) | 70–100 | 6–9 € |
| Beer (Supermarket, 0.5 l, max. 3.5%) | 15–25 | 1.30–2.20 € |
| Lunch (Dagens lunch) | 120–180 | 10–16 € |
| Dinner (Restaurant, Main Course) | 200–350 | 17–30 € |
| Supermarket Shopping (1 Day) | 150–300 | 13–26 € |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | 18–22 | 1.60–1.90 € |
| Rental Car (per Day, Small Car) | 500–1,000 | 43–87 € |
| Camping (Pitch) | 200–350 | 17–30 € |
| Stuga / Cabin (simple, per Night) | 500–1,200 | 43–105 € |
| Hotel (Double Room, Mid-range) | 1,000–2,000 | 87–175 € |
| SJ Train Stockholm–Gothenburg | 195–895 | 17–78 € |
💡 Tipp
The best savings tips for Sweden: 1) Use "Dagens lunch" (daily menu) in restaurants — main course + salad + bread + coffee for 120–180 SEK, often 40% cheaper than the dinner menu. 2) Shop at supermarkets: ICA, Coop, and Willys offer good quality. 3) Use Allemansrätten: Wild camping is legal! 4) Tap water is excellent. 5) Many museums in Stockholm are free.
Achtung
Sweden is practically cashless — many shops, restaurants, and even buses no longer accept cash. A credit card (Visa or Mastercard) is absolutely essential. Some church collections and street musicians only accept Swish (the Swedish payment app).
